I have a limited amount of time to devote to keeping current and exploring new directions in instructional design. A year ago even there was much less traffic on all the lists I read and a fair proportion of chit chat was tolerable, and even welcome. Now I wish everyone would stay on task.
This relates well to the discussion of evolving culture. My preference is to stay on task. If the class gets too noisy, I'll withdraw.
This may be self limiting, like the Citizen Band (CB) radio craze of a few years ago. At one time nearly everyone, it seemed, had a CB radio. Now they have an account on the Internet. Hmm, That sounds more provocative than intended, but I'll let it stand. Just trying to get back on task.